2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides for Photocatalysis.

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), a rising star in the post-graphene era, are fundamentally and technologically intriguing for photocatalysis. Their extraordinary electronic, optical, and chemical properties endow them as promising materials for effectively harvesting light and catalyzing the redox reaction in photocatalysis. Here, we present a tutorial-style review of the field of 2D TMDs for photocatalysis to educate researchers (especially the new-comers), which begins with a brief introduction of the fundamentals of 2D TMDs and photocatalysis along with the synthesis of this type of material, then look deeply into the merits of 2D TMDs as co-catalysts and active photocatalysts, followed by an overview of the challenges and corresponding strategies of 2D TMDs for photocatalysis, and finally look ahead this topic.

Oxygen Nucleation of MoS2 Nanosheet Thin Film Supercapacitor Electrodes for Enhanced Electrochemical Energy Storage.

A direct thin film approach to fabricate large-surface MoS2 nanosheet thin film supercapacitors using the solution-based diffusion of thiourea into an anodized MoO3 thin film was investigated. A dense MoS2 nanosheet thin film electrode (D-MoS2 ) was obtained when the anodized MoO3 thin film was processed in a low thiourea solution concentration, whereas a highly porous MoS2 nanosheet thin film electrode (P-MoS2 ) was formed at a higher thiourea solution concentration. The charge storage performances of the D-MoS2 and P-MoS2 thin films displayed an unusual increase in capacitance on extended cycling, leading to a capacitance as high as around 5-8 mF cm-2 . X-ray diffraction and cross-sectional microscopy revealed the capacitance enhancements of the MoS2 supercapacitors are attributable to the nucleation of a new MoS2-x Ox phase upon cycling. For the D-MoS2 nanosheet thin film, the formation and growth of the MoS2-x Ox phase during cycling was accompanied by a volumetric expansion of the MoS2 layer. For the P-MoS2 thin film, the nucleation and growth of the MoS2-x Ox phase occurred in the pores of the MoS2 layer. The propagation of the MoS2-x Ox phase also shifted the charge storage process in both films from a diffusion-limited process to a capacitive-dominant process.

Recent advances in photodegradation of antibiotic residues in water.

Antibiotics are widely present in the environment due to their extensive and long-term use in modern medicine. The presence and dispersal of these compounds in the environment lead to the dissemination of antibiotic residues, thereby seriously threatening human and ecosystem health. Thus, the effective management of antibiotic residues in water and the practical applications of the management methods are long-term matters of contention among academics. Particularly, photocatalysis has attracted extensive interest as it enables the treatment of antibiotic residues in an eco-friendly manner. Considerable progress has been achieved in the implementation of photocatalytic treatment of antibiotic residues in the past few years. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the recent developments on this important topic. This review primarily focuses on the application of photocatalysis as a promising solution for the efficient decomposition of antibiotic residues in water. Particular emphasis was laid on improvement and modification strategies, such as augmented light harvesting, improved charge separation, and strengthened interface interaction, all of which enable the design of powerful photocatalysts to enhance the photocatalytic removal of antibiotics.